Essex Chambers of Commerce’s director of policy David Burch said an increase in capacity would help the region’s export industry and hoped the Airports Commission might have included it on its proposals for the south east’s future aviation needs.

“Our business organisations are disappointed that, at this juncture, Stansted has not been further considered,” he said.

“If we are serious about growing exports and boosting the Essex economy we really need to have the ability to have flights from airports nearer to home.”

John Bridge, chief executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said the Airports Commission “is missing a real opportunity”.

He added: “The economy in the east of England is leading the recovery and crucial to that continued growth, particularly in Cambridgeshire, is the need to ensure international connectivity.

“Dismissing proposals to expand Stansted now and writing them off as an option for potential consideration in the future shows that the commission, and the government, don’t truly understand the need to invest in success by creating the right infrastructure.

“Will any government ever deliver the very necessary and needed additional runways?”

A motorcyclist who weaved in and out of traffic at speeds up to 148mph – believed to be the highest ever speed recorded in the UK by a rider carrying a pillion passenger – has today been banned from driving for 15 months.